WHAT IS BAJI QUAN?
Baji Quan is a powerful infighting style that relies on the sudden use of explosive force, or Fa Jin. The style is simple to learn but requires diligent study to master the underlying skills. The style developed and spread around the Cang Zhou Prefecture of Hebei Province in Northern China, which is famous for its martial arts. It was first mentioned in writing during the Ming Dynasty and became popularized in the Qing Dynasty. Baji Quan, is best translated as “Eight Extremes” and refers to the usage of power that is administered through eight major body parts: the head, the shoulders, the elbows, the hands, the buttocks, the waist, the knees and the feet. And is also known as the “Bodyguard Style,”
Baji training includes Zhan Zhuang or Zhuang Gong (Post Standing) training to develop the Qi (Vital Energy) and different types of Jin (Force). Various stances and footwork patterns, and eight fundamental fists are practiced individually and with a partner. The style emphasizes several empty hand and weapons routines that are designed to advance the trainees’ knowledge and overall skill. The key empty hand forms in our Baiji lineage are Xiao Baji (Small Baji), Da Baji (Big Baji) and Liu Da Kai (Six Big Openings). The primary weapons are the saber, sword, staff and spear. Baji Quan, like Xing Yi Quan (Hsing I Chuan), is an ideal system to study for people who want to learn a dynamic style of martial art but are not able to practice Eagle Claw Kung Fuor Mizong Luohan either because of age or body type. Baji and Xing Yi are easy to learn, provide challenging training and offer practical applications for self defense.
